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Unlock the secret to total restoration: How to maximise your core sleep

what is core sleep

When was the last time you woke up feeling truly refreshed?

In today’s fast-paced world, quality sleep is often sacrificed, yet it remains one of the most vital aspects of our health and wellbeing. Among the many mysteries of sleep, one concept stands out as a game-changer: core sleep.

To help us delve deeper, Alison Jones, sleep expert at global mattress brand Sealy, breaks down what core sleep really is, what makes it distinct from other parts of the sleep cycle, why it matters so much to our health and wellbeing and finally, how you can make the most of it with some simple, yet effective strategies.

Whether you’re battling the occasional restless night or looking to supercharge your sleep routine, Alison’s expertise will show you a clear path to total restoration.

What is core sleep?

Core sleep happens during the most restorative parts of your night, usually in the first half of your sleep. Deep sleep kicks in soon after you fall asleep and is most prominent during the early stages of the night. This is when your body focuses on physical repair and recovery.

Later, REM sleep starts to take over, often towards the end of the first sleep cycle and in longer bursts as the night goes on. REM is when your brain processes emotions and memories. Together, these phases – deep and REM sleep – make up core sleep and are essential for waking up feeling refreshed.

What happens during core sleep?

During deep sleep, your body gets to work on the physical stuff – such as repairing muscles, boosting your immune system, and even helping your heart and blood vessels recover from the day. REM sleep focuses on your brain, helping to process emotions, organise memories, and support cognitive health. Together, these stages are your body and mind’s ultimate refresh button.

Why is it important?

Core sleep is absolutely essential. It’s when your body and brain do all the heavy lifting to keep you healthy and happy. Without it, you’re more likely to feel groggy, have trouble concentrating, and even experience a weakened immune system. Long-term, not getting enough core sleep can lead to bigger issues like heart disease, weight gain, and mental health struggles. It’s the foundation of feeling and functioning at your best.

How much do you need?

Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Of that, around 3-4 hours should be spent in core sleep, split between deep and REM sleep. These stages aren’t fixed but naturally occur when you create the right conditions for quality, uninterrupted sleep. Prioritising good sleep hygiene, will help ensure you get the restorative sleep your body and mind need.

Can you track it?

Absolutely! Sleep trackers and apps can help you understand how much core sleep you’re getting. They use clever technology to analyse your movements, heart rate, and breathing. While they’re not perfect, they can give you a good idea of how often you’re dipping into those vital stages of sleep.

How can you improve your core sleep?

Start with the basics: stick to a consistent bedtime, create a calming pre-sleep routine, and make your bedroom a restful haven. Keep it cool, dark, and free of screens. Avoid caffeine and heavy meals before bed and try winding down in the evening with relaxing activities, like reading or meditation.

Your mattress also plays a huge role in improving core sleep. A high-quality, personalised mattress – like those in the Sealy Posturepedic range – provides the support your body needs to relax fully, helping you drift into those deeper, restorative stages of sleep. Investing in the right mattress can make all the difference between restless nights and waking up refreshed and ready to take on the day. Small changes like these can lead to big improvements in your core sleep.

For more expert sleep advice, click the link to head straight to Sealy’s website: https://www.sealy.co.uk/sleep-talk/.

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